A Word of Thanks

Welcome to the 2021 University-Wide Teaching and Learning Symposium, Civic Engagement in Extraordinary Times.

The symposium has been a great way to start a new academic semester as we dedicate a day to celebrate and discuss the outstanding teaching that is a hallmark of ISU. This year, the event has a different meaning as everyone across campus has had to stretch beyond their comfort zones and learn new ways to offer a premier educational experience to our students. My first thank you goes out everyone who has worked so hard to provide that experience.

While the world seems to be turned upside down, good things arose as we shifted to a virtual format. One is that we were able to invite three nationally recognized experts on civic engagement to deliver keynote addresses and workshops. We are thrilled to have Timothy Eatman, Elizabeth Bennion, and Marshall Welch join us. They each bring expertise on different facets of civic engagement that are relevant to what is happening on our campus and our world. This event is made possible through support from the Office of the Provost. We also received a grant from the Alice and Fannie Fell Trust, which provided the funds to bring these three highly renowned scholars to our symposium.

The planning for each Symposium typically begins on the heels of the previous one. Everyone at the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology plays a role in the event's success. Our graphic designer, Amber Thomas, designed and created the graphics for the event. Jim Gee keeps the campus informed of the all Symposium happenings through the webpage, social media releases and email reminders. He also produced a Let's Talk Teaching podcast episode on the importance of civic engagement in this extraordinary time. Please join me in thanking them.

My heart-felt gratitude goes to the Symposium Planning Team. Julie McFann worked along-side me planning this event. This year, because of our theme, Harriett Steinbach from the Center for Civic Engagement join our planning committee. Her expertise on civic and community engagement really helped us put together a wonderful program for the day. Chasity Logan is truly the force that makes the Symposium happen. Her attention to detail, keeping track of presenters, and preparing for all our 400+ attendees is quite remarkable. CTLT has the best graduate assistants on campus. David Giovagnoli and Kim Brucker stepped up to any task that was asked of them. And, of course, a big thank you to our interim director, Jen Friberg, who jumped right into this new world of symposium planning, offering support and guidance.

Also, thank you to the staff members of the University's Technology Support Center, who are on stand-by today to help everyone connect to our online spaces.

And finally, to all of you attendees— THANK YOU for your dedication to this institution as shown by your willingness to commit to a day before the start of classes to your professional growth. You exemplify the institution's commitment to providing a quality educational experience to our students. Enjoy your day.

Fondly,

 

Dana Karraker, Ed.D.
Coordinator of Faculty Development and Lead for Special Events
Center for Teaching, Learning, and Technology